How long is the hiring process?
The hiring process generally lasts about 6 months to 1 year. Visit the Hiring Process page to view all the stages of the hiring process.

Can I be hired if I have not gone to the academy?Highly qualified applicants who have not been to an accredited academy may be hired, and paid $18.57 per hour while attending the 20 week academy at Valencia’s Criminal Justice Institute located in Orlando. Recruits do not live at the academy while attending.

I am an officer in another state. What is the process for pre-certified officers like me?If you currently posses a Law Enforcement certification in another state, you may be able to transfer that certificate to Florida. Contact the Brevard Police Testing and Certification Center for more information. You would still have to pass the state exam, and show proficiency in high liability topics. We do not allow lateral transfers. Everyone hired must start at the same rate of pay and the same seniority.

I am an out of state applicant. How many trips would I need to make to Orlando during the process?During the hiring process, you may have to make up to four trips to Orlando. Those trips would be for the civil service test and physical abilities test, polygraph exam, and various interviews. If given a conditional job offer, you would have to return for the medical exam, psychological exam, and post-polygraph exam.

Are there residency requirements?Once hired, you would have to reside within 35 miles of the Orlando Police Headquarters building (1250 West South Street, Orlando FL. 32805).

Can active duty, reserve, or military veterans apply?Reserve and retired military may apply at any time. Active duty military should time their application to begin approximately 2 to 3 months before their separation date.

Can I apply if I was discharged from the military with a general, uncharacterized, or dishonorable discharge?Your application will be disqualified if you have received a dishonorable discharge from any branch of the Armed Forces. Your other than honorable discharge from the military will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Can military service time be bought into the pension?
No. There are no provisions in the pension to allow military time to be bought into the pension.

What type of pension does the department offer?
Officers may retire with 20 years of service and collect 70-percent of their average salary from the last three years or 80-percent after 25 years of service. A three-year back drop has been added and will be optional at a member’s discretion after first attaining 21 years of service. An officer may back-drop one, two or three years of service.

How long is the academy?Approximately 20 weeks. We use the Criminal Justice Institute at Valencia College.

What is a passing score for the CJBAT or FBAT?We require 79% on the CJBAT and the FBAT. For CJBAT information from CJI at Valencia, click here.

Does the police department have a tattoo policy?Yes. Police officers are prohibited from acquiring any new tattoo(s), scarification(s), or brand(s) that would be visible above the collar bone, below the elbow, or below the middle of the thigh, except cosmetic tattoos (tattoo makeup on the eyes, lips, or eyebrows with a natural appearance).

Police officers hired after 03/06/2008, with any tattoo(s), scarification(s), or brand(s), and who have direct contact with the public, must cover the tattoo(s), scarification(s), or brand(s) with a Department-approved uniform (including, but not limited to, a long-sleeved shirt, jacket, sweater, or pants) or Department-approved business or casual attire during on-duty hours or while representing the Department in any official capacity.

The display of any tattoo, scarification, or brand considered offensive, regardless of its location, while on duty or in any Department facility is not permitted and shall be covered at all times.

Examples of offensive tattoos, scarification, or brands prohibited by this order include but are not limited to:

Depictions of intolerance or discrimination against any race, religion, gender, or national origin

Sexually explicit or vulgar art, words, phrases, or profane language

Symbols likely to incite a strong reaction in the workplace (for example, swastikas or similar symbols)

What is the physical abilities test?It is a test of the basic abilities needed to enter a law enforcement job. You must, at the very least, be able to run 1.5 miles in less than 14 minutes, complete 15 full and correct push-ups within one minute, and complete 25 full and correct sit ups within one minute. This will all be done in one session at CJI, and will usually be done after you pass the civil service test. Note that these minimum scores are for law enforcement work in the central Florida area. We at the Orlando Police Department are looking for the best applicants. Therefore, minimum standards are not competitive. Click here to view the Requirements.

Is there a study guide for the civil service test?You may go to www.frontlinetest.com for a practice test. The civil service test is a common sense evaluation made up of a video portion for human interaction, a writing portion, and a reading portion. You don’t need experience in law enforcement to answer these questions.

Can I apply if I have used drugs?Your application will be disqualified if you have used or possessed illegal drugs within 3 years prior to your application. Also, any illegal sale of a controlled substance within 10 years will disqualify your application.

Can I apply if I have been arrested?Your arrest record will be scrutinized closely. Your application will be disqualified if you have been convicted of a Felony, or convicted of any offense considered domestic violence. Your application will be disqualified if you have been convicted of certain misdemeanors involving perjury, false statement, or character within 5 years. You also may not have any currently pending charges.

Do I have to be fluent in English to apply?Although being fluent in other languages is a benefit, we do require a high level of proficiency in the English language, both spoken and written.

Are there age, height, or weight requirements?All applicants must be at least 21 years of age. There are no height or weight requirements. However, applicants must pass the Physical Abilities Test, and be able to successfully complete the academy. The physical training and defensive tactics training in the academy will be vigorous and only those in top physical condition will do well.

Do I need to have Florida Law Enforcement Certification?
No. If you do not have a Florida Law Enforcement Certification, and you are given a Conditional Offer of Employment by the Chief of Police, we will send you to the academy. As part of the conditional offer, we will pay your tuition, fees and books. You will also receive a salary of $18.57 per hour for every hour worked.

If you have any questions, or need further assistance, please call the Recruiting Unit at 407.246.2459. You can also email the Recruiting Unit at recruit@cityoforlando.net.